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May 1st, 2009
They say the first step is admitting that you have a problem. We admit it—we have a huge shopping problem. It all started last weekend when we spotted them from across the room. It was instant love—the perfect summer wedge sandals from Tory Burch. They were “give up your first-born” gorgeous and so far out of our price range it was almost laughable. We thought: we’ll just try them on for fun. But the second that leather strap fastened around our ankle, it was over—we would never leave them again. But seeing as how we had maxed out every credit card we had, and there wasn’t enough cash in our bank account, how??? We schemed and schemed and then realized that there is a credit card you can open immediately, just for this store… and the shoes could be our first purchase. Totally irresponsible and wrong. And we totally did it. Serious problem. But oh, you should see these shoes! We’ve never been so happy. |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Art-Deco Mecca From Barney’s to Louis Vuitton, we love the swank of downtown Seattle. But sometimes we like to get outta the busy craze of modern urban living and take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood. Especially when the ’hood maintains its charming 1950’s vintage appeal, from old-fashioned architectural facades to quaint blue-collar mom-and-pop businesses. And Deco Modiste in Georgetown fits right in with the neighborhood. Inspired by vintage 1930’s and 1940’s costume theater, Deco Modiste takes a traditional, old-school approach to women’s clothing and service. Like back in the old days—before the mass accessibility of ready to wear, when custom tailoring was the norm—this boutique hand creates every single garment and custom fits each piece especially for you. But fear not, fellow recessionistas, Deco Modiste is easy on the eyes and the bank account. And since they’ve set up shop in a historic mid-century machine factory, it’s like taking a stroll down a memory lane of vintage cuteness. |
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| 2 | Luxe Life We’ve had to scale it back a bit lately. Cutting down on the latté runs, brown-bagging it, and scheduling the spa days fewer and further between. But we refuse to cut little luxuries altogether, because, after all, we are not animals! This scaling back makes us extra grateful for Sweet Petula’s fabulous bath and body line. These handcrafted beauties are stuffed with quality ingredients and essential oils for a true aromatherapy experience. Who needs the spa when we have nourishing olive oil soaps, sea mineral bath salts, lotions, sparkling bath tablets (even hand-poured aromatherapy candles!) with scent blends like Provence, Ginger Blossom and Mediterranean Mint? Delicious! All products are made in the back of Sweet Petula’s cozy little storefront in Pioneer Square, and you can even pick up spa products for your favorite pooch (handcrafted, of course). So don’t stop the pampering—because you’re worth it! And if you drop by Sweet Petula this week, mention Seattle Picks and get a free sparkling bath tablet. Now that’s a stimulus package we can get behind. Sweet Petula |
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| 3 | Comfort Food But really, we think it’s because he told us where he proposed… and now we have a new favorite restaurant. Mondello is a cozy, family run, true ristorante Italiano. Poring over the menu we couldn’t help but imagine ourselves on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with a warm salty breeze and the fragrance of lemons in the air. Thankfully, one of the owners was our server and he didn’t mind our daydreaming. He just smiled and recommended a bottle of wine. We ordered on the lasagna with béchamel sauce and every bite was so amazing that we had to try the tiramisu for dessert. We were so happy with the food that it didn’t even matter that we were still single—at least for that night. Hmmm… it might be time for another dinner out! Mondello Ristorante |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Rise and Shine We are somewhat slug-like in the morning—and by that we mean any time we have to get up before about 11:30. We are so not down with early mornings. We recently stumbled across something to help perk us up during our morning shower, though, and it’s not a shot of freezing-cold water. The Peppermint Conditioner from PRE makes our scalp tingle and invigorates us to get movin’. Plus it makes out hair smooth, shiny and super-glossy, so it’s an eye-opening win-win. |
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| 2 | Make the Postman Blush One should never underestimate the pick-me-up power of getting a surprise delivery in the mail. An unexpected “Thinking of You” card or little treat from a friend makes our whole day. So naturally, we find the idea of Panty by Post totes brilliant. Get a monthly subscription of decadent French panties by Blush in the mail—once, six times, or every month for a year—your choice! With bridal showers and Mother’s Day coming up, we know what our favorite ladies will be getting—surprise undies! |
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| 3 | Being Magellan Our friend recently received a book about exploration. In this book, the author suggests that designers are prone to collect. Not quite hoarders—more like enthusiastic gatherers! ’Tis true about the lovely designer Madeleine Boulesteix. She turned her collecting habits into charming, whimsical chandeliers constructed from teacups, spoons, and sparkling trinkets. Just add candles or light bulbs, and your room instantly turns a bit more Francophilic-fancy! www.madeleineboulesteix.co.uk |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Have a Heart Obviously, we love shopping—and when we find an event combining our number-one pastime with helping support kids in need, we’re in! This weekend we’ll be attending the Art Collective shopping event, where 10% of every sale (from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and sculpture) goes to Art with Heart. Be there! What: Art Collective Shopping Event |
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| 3 | No Place Like a Warehouse Sale A good warehouse sale is one of our favorite places to be—anytime, anyplace, we’ll be there. This weekend is the designer boutique warehouse sale with 50–90% off goods from participating boutiques like Tweed, Totokaelo, Horseshoe, The Finerie, Clutch and more. This kind of sale doesn’t come around often, ladies—don’t miss out! What: Designer Boutique Warehouse Sale |
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| 4 | Rock Me All right ladies, spring has finally sprung and it's time to properly accessorize all those cute new tank tops and dresses you’ve been waiting to wear. Rock Star Jewelry’s line of semi-precious gems is the perfect complement to any outfit—so don’t miss the sale where everything is 15% off. Rock on! What: Rock Star Jewelry Annual Sale |
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You are our stylish army of shoppers. Go forth and spread our SHOP LOCAL message by encouraging everyone to sign up for their own free subscription to www.SeattlePicks.com. |
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